Marilou Rogers Nelson of Texarkana, Arkansas, died at 12:10 PM on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, after a brief illness.  She was 84.  Marilou was born in Stamps, Arkansas, to Mary and Travis Rogers on August 11, 1941.  She attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Robert (Tony) Rogers and William (Bill) Rogers.  She is survived by her son Dr. Russell Nelson and his wife, Holly Nelson of Texarkana, AR and daughter Colleen Nelson Hendren of Pea Ridge, AR. Grandchildren include Hannah Nelson, Halah and her husband Zack Moore, Rhett Nelson, Molly Hendren, and Amelia Hendren.  Additionally, she is survived by one brother, Earl and wife Lois Rogers and two stepsons, Barry Nelson and Bill Nelson.

Marilou worked for the Texarkana Gazette in the 1960's. Later, she worked for the Social Security Administration, then transferred to the Red River Army Depot, working for the Defense Logistics Agency.

Marilou was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Arkansas and loved her New Covenant Sunday School Class.  For many years, she was passionate about hosting her neighborhood Christmas Coffee, where neighbors and friends celebrated with finger foods and brought canned goods for Harvest Texarkana. As part of her desire to help others, she donated over 14 gallons of her highly prized O-negative blood, only stopping when she no longer qualified to donate.   In retirement, she lived out her lifelong dream of traveling Europe and Asia, visiting 34 countries, including England, Italy, Morocco, and Russia.  She wrote travel articles about her adventures in the Active Age section of the Texarkana Gazette.  Proudly wearing the purple jacket, she joined the St. Michael Hospital Auxiliary, working the main desk, answering the phone, and guiding visitors around the hospital.  As her last act of service, she donated her body to medical science.

Visitation will be at Texarkana Funeral Home Texarkana, Arkansas, on Saturday, May 30th, at 11:00 with a memorial service to follow at noon.  In lieu of flowers please send memorials to First United Methodist Church Texarkana, Arkansas.

Register online at www.texarkanafuneralhome.com